COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTIONThis massive Imperial Stout is infused with cocoa and dried chilies. Rich and complex aromas, heavy with roasted grains, mask the layers of flavor within. Notes of bittersweet chocolate, mocha, and a mild smokiness give way to a tingling and complex finish from the influence of the peppers.

On tap. Pours with a near black body and a tan head. Aromas are of vanilla, cocoa, light heat, smoke and chocolate. Flavors are of smoke, roast, chocolate, earthy, mild pepper, chalky, vanilla, chewy and dusty. Medium bubbles. Dryish, full bodied, chewy. Some raisin notes and caramel as it warms.

Mild hop and spice aroma from an Imperial. Medium to full mouthfeel. Good dryness from the black malts and chilis. Spice lingers in the finish with some black malt residue. Good beer from Sierra Nevada.

Draft. Black pour with a creamy tan head. Aroma is subtle with chocolate, roast, light coffee, and if you try real hard perhaps a whisper of chile. Taste is bitter and soft chocolate, a nice roasted malt character, some bitter coffee, and a relatively mild chile spice on the finish. Mouthfeel is light and airy. Perhaps some darker, sweet malt in the taste as well. I like this beer but it’s relatively light for an imperial stout and the chile influence is fairly soft.

On tap at Churchkey. Reviewed from notes.
Pours black without much of a head or any significant lacing. Nose is nice with a good dose of chocolate, espresso, and roasted malt. The chili peppers are mild but bring a nice kick. Taste brings some slight heat with really great chocolate and coffee notes. Love the chili in the feel. Drinks quite well. Definitely a solid brew.
Serving type: on-tap
Reviewed on: 10-25-2010

The beer is black with a medium tan head. The retention and lacing are both pretty solid.
The aroma is a very nice combination of chocolate and spice very similar to tobasco.
The taset is right on the nose. Its like eating a chocolate bar spied with chili peppers. You can eat anything with chocolate and this is just more proof you can mix and drink about anything with chocolate. The finish is very nice and smooth.
The hot from the chili is just enough to give you the flavor but not kill your tastebuds or its drinkability.
Boston Beer made a similar beer, but this one is clearly superior.
Great beer, I’d love to see it mass produced.

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